Converted Boeing 757-200 freighter enters service with DHL

20 March, 2001

SOURCE: Flight International

The first ex-British Airways Boeing 757-200 converted to special freighter (SF) configuration for DHL Worldwide Express was scheduled to enter service with the package carrier's European arm on 19 March. Boeing is purchasing 44 757-200s (including 34 ex-BA aircraft) for conversion to freighters, which will be operated by DHL's European Air Transport arm from its Brussels hub. The first two 757SFs have been modified by Boeing Airplane Services' Wichita, Kansas, plant, while conversion of the remainder will be split equally between Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and Singapore Technologies Aerospace (STAero). The first aircraft are in work at IAI in Tel Aviv and STAero's Mobile Aerospace in the USA. The delivery is two months later than envisaged last year due to engineering issues, but within the contracted delivery schedule (Flight International, 27 February -5 March).